As we commemorate the anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, the Catholic Church in England and Wales joins with the universal church in gratitude for this defining moment in Christian history. Nearly seventeen centuries have passed since bishops from across the known world gathered in 325 AD to defend and proclaim the truth of Christ’s divinity. Yet the decisions made at Nicaea continue to shape our faith, our worship, and our mission today.
The Council of Nicaea was convened at a time of crisis, when the Arian controversy threatened to distort the Church’s understanding of Jesus Christ. Arius and his followers denied that Christ was fully divine, claiming instead that He was a created being, subordinate to the Father. In response, the bishops, guided by the Holy Spirit, proclaimed that Christ is ‘consubstantial with the Father’, fully God and co-eternal with Him. This truth was enshrined in the Nicene Creed, which we continue to profess at every Mass.
In a world where truth is often questioned or redefined, the clarity of the Nicene Creed remains a source of strength and unity for the church. The late Pope Francis reminded us that “the truth of Christ is not a model that changes with passing fads, but the truth that sets us free” (Christus Vivit, §207). As Catholics in England and Wales, we continue to proclaim this truth, confident that it is not an abstract idea but a living reality, found in the person of Jesus Christ.
The Council of Nicaea also reminds us of the importance of unity in the Church. The bishops who gathered in 325 understood that division in doctrine leads to division in the Body of Christ. They recognised that fidelity to the truth is the foundation of authentic Christian communion. Today, we too are called to seek unity—not a shallow unity that ignores differences, but a deep unity built upon shared faith. As Pope Francis said, “Unity is not achieved by being neutral, blending in, but by upholding with courage and gentleness the truth of the Gospel” (Evangelii Gaudium, §251). In this spirit, we continue to engage in ecumenical dialogue, always rooted in the truth revealed by Christ.
Furthermore, the example of the bishops at Nicaea challenges us to be faithful witnesses to the Gospel in our own time. As they defended the truth against error, we too are called to stand firm in our faith and to live it out in love and service. The faith we profess in the Creed must be reflected in our actions—defending the dignity of all people, caring for the poor, and working for justice. Pope Francis reminded us: “A faith that does not lead to solidarity is a faith that is dead” (Fratelli Tutti, §56).
As we reflect on this anniversary, we pray for a renewal of faith in our communities. May we, like those who stood firm at Nicaea, remain steadfast in belief, unwavering in love for Christ, and committed to the unity of His Church.
With gratitude for the gift of faith and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we continue to proclaim with confidence: ‘I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth…’
Elliot Vanstone is the Mission Adviser for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. In this role, Elliot focuses on evangelisation, ecumenism, and interreligious dialogue, contributing to the Church’s mission of fostering unity and understanding across different faiths.